pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

"pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a regular, repeated arrangement of elements. For example, "The pattern of the rug was intricate and beautiful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The outcome is that the urban pattern becomes more segregated, more differentiated.

The Guardian

We would look at German Burda [a pattern and fashion] magazine together and discuss what looked nice – and because my mum had that attitude and payed attention to fashion, I think something stayed with me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A survey by the New York-based press freedom watchdog reveals a global pattern of intimidation against political and satirical cartoonists.

The Guardian

Iranian authorities should listen to this global appeal and end their disturbing pattern of repression".

The Guardian

A detailed affidavit, written by Andrew McAleer, alleged Rice engaged in a "pattern of intimidation and violence" between 2012 and 2013 against the McAleers following a custody dispute between Karyn McAleer and Rice, who have a young child together from their previous relationship.

The Guardian

Lemon thyme in a chequerboard pattern needs plenty of sun and shallow, well-drained soil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Supt Treble said Field's past pattern of offending was unusual in that he had been prepared to take on two victims at once when he tried to snatch the two teenage boys in 1984.

The Guardian

There is a pattern emerging here: Carlyle, a lapsed socialist (his spirit, he has said, all but broken by the 1992 Tory victory), evidently likes his geniuses to come in different shades of troublemaker.

The Guardian - Film

"We are introducing a pattern for an Islamic society.

The Guardian

This pattern is when a central midfielder drops deep to allow the fullback to push forward, with the winger then moving inside, in between the lines to pick up the ball in space.

The Guardian - Sport

The fact is that where women feel well supported, where they are cared for, and where they are psychologically healthy, the general pattern is that they go out of their way to ensure every protection possible for their unborn babies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In design contexts, use "pattern" to refer to visual or structural arrangements that are repeated.

Common error

Avoid using "pattern" to describe one-off events or situations without any repetition or regularity. Ensure there's a recurring element to justify its use.

Linguistic Context

The word "pattern" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a design, model, or recurring sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes recurring arrangements or predictable series of events, as evidenced in multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Lifestyle

12%

Sport

6%

Less common in

Business

10%

Opinion

8%

Arts

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pattern" is a versatile noun commonly used to describe recurring arrangements, designs, or sequences across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Analysis of numerous examples from sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC indicates that the word is frequently found in news and media, lifestyle, and sports reporting. While "pattern" is appropriate in a wide array of situations, it is important to ensure there is a recurring element when describing something, making alternatives like "motif", "design", or "trend" more suitable depending on the specific context. The register of "pattern" is neutral, making it acceptable for formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regular arrangement

Stresses the ordered or structured form.

recurring motif

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the design or theme.

consistent model

Emphasizes the reliable and unchanging format.

repeating sequence

Focuses on the ordered arrangement that occurs more than once.

typical example

Emphasizes the representative aspect of a standard instance.

predictable cycle

Highlights the recurring and anticipated sequence of events.

recognizable form

Stresses the identifiable shape or structure.

common thread

Highlights a unifying element or characteristic.

customary practice

Emphasizes what is commonly done or followed.

established trend

Refers to a direction or course of events that has become prevalent.

FAQs

How can I use "pattern" in a sentence?

You can use "pattern" to describe recurring arrangements, designs, or sequences. For example, "The rug had a beautiful floral pattern."

What can I say instead of "pattern"?

You can use alternatives like "motif", "design", "trend" or "sequence" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "pattern" or "patent"?

The correct word depends on the context. "Pattern" refers to a design or recurring sequence, while "patent" refers to a legal protection for an invention.

What's the difference between "pattern" and "habit"?

"Pattern" generally refers to a broader, often visual or structural arrangement, while "habit" specifically refers to a repeated behavior or practice.